Montreal

smashdn · January 10, 2017

Wife and I have our ten year wedding anniversary this year and had been planning a grand European vacation a la Griswolds.

But I think I have her convinced that we can get a great taste of Europe without the jet lag by venturing north of the border to Montreal.

My questions are, first is that ^ a fair assessment of Montreal re: how it compares to European cities?

Secondly, what is a good time of year to visit? Our anniversary is late Sept but I would want to go earlier in hopes of A) dodging cold (to her) weather and B) dodging the heat and humidity we have down here. My most favorite vacation to date has been to Maine in the summer when I was able to comfortable where a light jacket in July.

Lastly, and unfortunately probably least importantly, what are the golf options for the area? I see several courses whilst searching google earth and I go to their websites, but alas, I don't habla French Canadian so I am at a loss for deciphering which courses are public and which are members only. I need nothing fancy as I rake it around the yard for the most part. She dabbles in golf as well and does appreciate the scenery if she is not wholly enthralled with playing.

Thanks in advance.

KBong · January 10, 2017

Europe is Europe....Canada is Canada.....no comparison......there's so much more to see historical and culturally in Europe vs. Canada.....and I'm a Canuck.

Hopefully MtlJeff responds.

IMO.....If you want a more rustic and historic experience...go to Quebec City.

The great courses in Montreal are private.

If you really must golf.....Mt. Tremblant is a good place north of Montreal with a good infrastructure build for tourists.

Travel is best in early Sept for weather.

Your greenback is strong against other currencies....go to Paris....it's such an amazing city with so much to see.....go see a travel agent to arrange a flight hotel package....Paris is not as expensive as one may think if you plan it out properly.

Actually....there really isn't a bad place to visit in western Europe.

Phireside · January 10, 2017

i don't get why people say montreal is european. the closest it comes is during grand prix week/weekend. If you really don't want to cross the pond go to quebec city as mentioned above. But nothing beats a trip to paris.

duffer987 · January 10, 2017

Downtown Montreal might as well be downtown Toronto or Chicago. It is very North American. Any hint of struggling or less than awesome French and you'll get English, not because they want to stop you trying but because they want to make whatever transaction you are having quicker/simpler.

Vieux-Port is about as European as you will get with the cobbled streets, markets, restos, and some cool architecture; however, that is a fairly concentrated area and very touristy.

There are lots of neat neighbourhoods to visit and places to eat and drink, such as Schwartz's for their famous smoked meats, and there are lots of excellent microbrasseries is beer is your thing, but it's not Europe.

Quebec would provide you with a much more "European" feel. It reminded me a lot of a cross between Belgium and France. Vieux-Quebec and its Vieux-Port are larger than Montreal and while obviously touristy still, it is more just another part of town than the Montreal equivalent. And it is certainly more French, from a language POV. There outside of work I would speak it (well my crappy few phrases) and people wouldn't switch over. I also still struggle to find bakeries and cafes as good as Quebec's and their beer is fantastic as well and it is a different feel there, but it is still Canada.

The province has loads of wonderful things to see outside the two main cities though, so if you went with your expectations of Europe (it's not that) tempered you'd have a great time!

Some pics of Quebec to give you an idea how the old parts of town look: https://www.flickr.c...157624633778670

MTLJeff is definitely the man to give the lowdown on the golf courses, although apparently he just won some contest or something, so he may be distracted ;)

smashdn · January 12, 2017

i don't get why people say montreal is european.

The television travel shows liken it to a European city. Sounds like they are off-base.

alain3288 · January 22, 2017

Hi,

Lots of activities in Montreal in July and august: just for laughs, jazz festival........September is best for visiting i would say. Very good restaurant, safe city. Downtown is like every American city except there is a mountain wich adds charm to the city. Old Montreal is a must see. Outside Montreal Mont tremblant is a nice resort with good courses around and nice scenery

Golf wise not too many good public course on the island . Golf de l'île de Montréal being the best, 36 holes, Irish taste. Some good courses on the north or south shores.

I agree that Quebec City has more of an European character, September could be colder though. Good semi-private ( Royal Quebec ) or public course ( La Tempête ) around the city

adschus · March 20, 2017

Wife and I are going to Toronto > Montreal > Quebec> then to New York before heading back to chicago. Will play at the Irish course and looking forward to the sugar shacks. Any restaurant recs in Montreal or Quebec?

duffer987 · March 20, 2017

I lived in Quebec for two years from '09 to '11 and still have friends there and I'll offer up the following, name of the place and neighbourhood. Google maps/google will show you more about them. They are all central and places you will certainly walk past as you explore town.

Cafe Bistro Du Cap |Vieux Port - lunchtime crepes, I've not had a better crepe since I left, their salmon and capers crepes were a regular weekend lunch

Le Clocher Penche | Saint-Roch - white table clothes, airy restaurant, really good and not too complicated French fare

Au Bonnet D'Ane | Saint-Jean Baptiste - a neat little cafe with simple bistro food, another place with a nice feel in it

Bistro B | Avenue Cartier - more 'modern' French restaurant, certainly a bit pricier, but still a cool spot

So-Cho Le saucisser | Marche du Vieux Port - good spot for a bite on the run, large, varied, some unique flavoured sausages from a large stall in the market. Grab a beer from the vendor across from it and sit outside and enjoy the view

Chez Victor | Saint-Jean Baptiste - They have opened up a number of new locations over the years, but if you want a really good burger, fries (with lots of sauce options), and a beer, this is the place to go.

Not restos (If you only go to two places from these, go here! :))

La Barberie | Saint-Roch - one of my favorite microbreweries ever, really great vibe, loads of taps, carousel tasters, even cask ale. You can bring outside food too.

La Boite a Pain | Saint-Roch - awesome bakery, get a baguette there and when you are back in the US, you'll know how rubbish there are here. More importantly their pasteries are fantastic. Get a Brioche aux Trois Chocolats, Chocolatine, Danois, and a latte from Brulerie Saint-Roch one block over and there's breakfast :-)